Major (Maj.) Darren Steele

The holidays are a special time to celebrate with friends and loved ones. For many in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the holidays are spent away from home, whether on a posting or deployment, with a makeshift family of colleagues. Although these times may result in some great memories, it can also leave members wistful for the comforts of home. One such member was Major Darren Steele, a Public Affairs Officer who was posted to Ottawa in 2000, away from his family and close friends.

He started thinking about seniors at Christmas who spent the holidays without family or friends visiting them and opted to spread joy. Darren’s caring heart resulted in a new program called “Christmas Smiles for seniors”, which pairs volunteer elves who bring donated gifts to seniors in the National Capital Region who would otherwise not receive a gift. Dannette McLeod, a volunteer with “Christmas Smiles for seniors” said, “(Darren) considered the situation of elders in our community who had far less than he did: No family, no support network of friends, and many of these souls with very limited means. Darren contacted a few of the nearby residences to research the possibility of ensuring the elders knew someone was thinking about them and a passion ignited. Darren’s premise was simple - no one should be forgotten at Christmas.”

Darren’s generous spirit inspired many of his civilian and military colleagues and friends who began volunteering for this wonderful program. Last year alone, almost 3000 gifts were collected and distributed to seniors in need in the National Capital Region. Gifts have been donated from as far away as Wisconsin and even Afghanistan, from a deployed member. Volunteers are often moved by the level of joy expressed by the recipients. Captain Serge Duguay and his wife, Master Corporal Caroline Duguay, have been volunteering for the program since 2001. “My wife has had the chance to actually deliver the gifts in person and visit with the seniors. This first-hand experience really hits home on why we do this. The reaction of some of the residents is very touching… If a few dollars and a little bit of time can bring them a little joy at Christmas, then why not?”

This program truly is a legacy for Darren, who sadly is no longer with us. The “Christmas Smiles for seniors” program continues in his memory, where a group of dedicated volunteers calling themselves “Team Darren” continue to run the program. They ensure that with each passing year, “Christmas Smiles for seniors” reaches even more seniors in need of a smile over the holiday season.

As Darren often said, many hands make light work. If you would like more information about donating or volunteering to help seniors this year, contact Christmas Smiles for seniors, or follow his lead and look for opportunities to give back in your local community. Darren is a clear example of the dedication and love that the Defense Team has for those in need.